NRLW Match Preview: Magic Round v Eels

Author: St George Illawarra Dragons
Timestamp: Thu 31 Jul 2025, 08:56 AM

The Dragons are preparing for a key clash with Parramatta in the NRLW's inaugural Magic Round at Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday.

The Magic Round concept has proven a revelation for the NRL in recent years and, in 2025, extends to the women's game in a massive development for the NRLW.

All 12 teams will be in action across Saturday and Sunday with bumper crowds slated to flock to Newcastle.

Round 5 - Round 5 - Sunday 3 Aug

Full Time

Eels

Dragons

Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Highlights Latest

KEY INFO

Buy Tickets
Date Sunday, August 3rd
Venue McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Watch Nine, 9Now, Kayo & Foxtel
11:50AM NRLW | Cowboys v Warriors
1:45PM NRLW | Knights v Raiders
3:45PM NRLW | Dragons v Eels

BRINGING THE MAGIC

This weekend marks the only chance this season to see every NRLW game of the round in person over one exciting weekend of footy and fun for the whole family.

Don’t miss out on the jampacked Sunday at NRLW Magic Round where there will be stacks of action with a Bluey & Bingo Interactive Live Show, hair braiding and face painting, merchandise outlets, fun activity in the precinct and an opportunity for all fans to go on the playing field after the last match.

NEWCOMER TO DEBUT

Tyra Ekepati makes her NRLW debut at fullback having joined the club this week from the Roosters.

A Wyong Roos junior, Ekepati has spent the past two Tarsha Gale Cup campaigns with the Roosters and started in the centres in their Grand Final loss back in May.

She followed up a strong Tarsha Gale Cup campaign with selection in NSW's Under 19s Women's State of Origin side, scoring a try in the side's 26-10 win on the Sunshine Coast.

HANNAH’S MILESTONE

Hannah Southwell is back in Newcastle as she brings up a special 40-game milestone.

Southwell returned to the Red V this year having been a part of the Dragons’ and the NRLW’s inaugural 2018 season as a 19-year-old.

The now 26-year-old has crafted an impressive resumé across her stints at the Dragons, Roosters, and Knights which included three Grand Final appearances with premierships at both the Roosters in 2022 and Knights in 2023.

A Kotara Bears junior, Southwell has represented NSW on five occasions having notched three series wins.

‘A long journey’: Southwell reflects ahead of Magic milestone

TEAM NEWS

DRAGONS

The Dragons will be without Teagan Berry (suspension) and Kasey Reh (head knock).
Tyra Ekepati makes her NRLW debut at fullback having joined the club this week from the Roosters.
Zali Hopkins shifts into five-eighth with Jamilee McGregor and Alice Gregory both coming onto the interchange.
Western Suburbs Red Devils junior Tahlia O’Brien has been named among the reserves for the first time in her career.

EELS

Kennedy Cherrington (knee) has been named on the interchange for her season debut with Tess McWilliams dropping back to the reserves.

Round 5 - Round 5 - Sunday 3 Aug

Full Time

Eels

Dragons

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Eels is number 1 Abbi Church

Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Tyra Ekepati
Winger for Eels is number 2 Zali Fay

Winger for Dragons is number 2 Margot Vella
Centre for Eels is number 3 Rory Owen

Centre for Dragons is number 3 Shenai Lendill
Centre for Eels is number 4 Lindsay Tui

Centre for Dragons is number 4 Keele Browne
Winger for Eels is number 5 Martha Mataele

Winger for Dragons is number 5 Jayme Millard
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Cassey Tohi-Hiku

Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Zali Hopkins
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Rachael Pearson

Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Raecene McGregor

Forwards

Prop for Eels is number 8 Elsie Albert

Prop for Dragons is number 8 Madison Mulhall
Hooker for Eels is number 9 Rueben Cherrington

Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Nita Maynard-Perrin
Prop for Eels is number 10 Breanna Eales

Prop for Dragons is number 10 Trinity Tauaneai
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Chloe Jackson

2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Ella Koster
2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Mahalia Murphy

2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Charlotte Basham
Lock for Eels is number 13 Ryvrr-Lee Alo

Lock for Dragons is number 13 Hannah Southwell

Interchange

Interchange for Eels is number 14 Taneka Todhunter

Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Jamilee McGregor
Interchange for Eels is number 15 Paige Travis

Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Alice Gregory
Interchange for Eels is number 16 Kennedy Cherrington

Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Bronte Wilson
Interchange for Eels is number 17 Fleur Ginn

Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Ahlivia Ingram